CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Kurt Busch learned his crew chief was leaving right before NASCAR’s title race began two years ago. The impending split never distracted him, though, and Busch won a race and finished fourth in the final 2009 standings.
He could be forced to do the same thing again this year.
Busch goes into Saturday night’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway surrounded by whispers that crew chief Steve Addington will bolt at the end of the season.
Addington, who replaced Pat Tryson at the end of the 2009 season, did not want to discuss his job status when asked Friday.
With Busch ranked sixth in points and 16 behind leader Carl Edwards, he doesn’t have any room for distraction if he’s going to win a second championship this year.
